www.washingtontimes.com Topics: NFLhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/national-football-league/?utm_medium=RSS2017-12-13T19:49:10-05:00Stewart giving Panthers major boost down the stretch2017-12-13T17:04:13-05:00STEVE REEDhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/stewart-giving-panthers-major-boost-down-the-stret/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Jonathan Stewart isn't buying into the notion that running backs begin to slow down after they hit age 30.</p> <p>The franchise's all-time leading rusher said he's more motivated than ever - and the numbers are proving it. The former first-round pick from Oregon has stepped up ...Steelers offense at full strength _ finally _ vs. Pats2017-12-13T18:34:27-05:00WILL GRAVEShttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/steelers-offense-at-full-strength-_-finally-_-vs-p/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>PITTSBURGH (AP) - Two snaps in, Le'Veon Bell knew he was done, that the groin injury that the Pittsburgh Steelers running back tried to ignore during his team's run to the AFC championship game last January could be ignored no longer.</p> <p>Bell tried to grind it out.</p> <p>Emphasis on tried.</p> ...Former Atlanta Falcons, Texas great Tommy Nobis dies at 742017-12-13T13:04:57-05:00PAUL NEWBERRYhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/former-atlanta-falcons-great-tommy-nobis-dies-at-7/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>ATLANTA (AP) - Tommy Nobis, the first player drafted by the expansion Atlanta Falcons and a hard-hitting middle linebacker who was never fully recognized for his talents on a struggling franchise that failed to make the playoffs during his long career, died Wednesday. He was 74.</p> <p>The team said he ...Petty ready for latest shot as Jets' starting QB2017-12-13T19:49:10-05:00DENNIS WASZAK Jr.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/petty-ready-for-latest-shot-as-jets-starting-qb/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) - Bryce Petty is getting another chance to prove to the New York Jets that he can be their quarterback of the future.</p> <p>He's their man under center right now, at the very least, and will make his fifth NFL start Sunday against the Saints in ...Ravens insist they won't take winless Browns lightly2017-12-13T17:01:21-05:00DAVID GINSBURGhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/ravens-insist-they-wont-take-winless-browns-lightl/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - As a member of the Alabama football team, Marlon Humphrey knew what to expect against non-league foes such as Mercer and Kent State.</p> <p>"We played a lot of teams that we definitely should easily run over," Humphrey recalled.</p> <p>Now a rookie starting cornerback with the ...Norman misses practice after questioning role with Redskins2017-12-13T18:49:47-05:00BRIAN MCNALLYhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/norman-misses-practice-after-questioning-role-with/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Josh Norman spent practice casually riding an exercise bike on the sideline of the Washington Redskins' indoor facility.</p> <p>Coach Jay Gruden said Norman's knee was sore. The cornerback insisted nothing was wrong.</p> <p>Nothing better sums up the Redskins' predicament as they prepare for the final three ...Watch every bowl game? Yes, there is a reason why for each2017-12-13T11:58:34-05:00RALPH D. RUSSOhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/watch-every-bowl-game-yes-there-is-a-reason-why-fo/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>We have some bad news.</p> <p>It happened months ago, but there is a chance you were not paying attention when the Poinsettia Bowl passed away back in January. If you need to sit down or take a moment to let that settle in, it's OK. Somehow, college football fans will ...Falcons' Beasley still searching for more sacks2017-12-13T17:11:18-05:00GEORGE HENRYhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/falcons-beasley-still-searching-for-more-sacks/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - Vic Beasley says he feels fine, that he's fully healthy and ready to ignite the Atlanta Falcons' pass rush.</p> <p>Trouble is it's Week 15, and Beasley has just four sacks to rank third on the team. Coach Dan Quinn wants more production from Beasley, particularly ...Seahawks fortunate they're not missing more from defense2017-12-13T19:22:55-05:00TIM BOOTHhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/seahawks-fortunate-theyre-not-missing-more-from-de/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>RENTON, Wash. (AP) - The good news for the Seattle Seahawks is that no one on their defense was suspended for the chaos that ensued at the conclusion of their trip to Jacksonville.</p> <p>They still could be significantly undermanned heading into the most important game of the regular season to ...Bengals' streak of defensive stinginess gets flattened2017-12-13T15:53:55-05:00JOE KAYhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/bengals-streak-of-defensive-stinginess-gets-flatte/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>CINCINNATI (AP) - Coach Marvin Lewis couldn't find words to describe how his team came apart. His players had no problem picking out the adjectives.</p> <p>"This was pretty bad," defensive end Carlos Dunlap said. "It was embarrassing to put that up there and come out like that. It's not what ...Broncos-Colts Capsule2017-12-13T12:47:30-05:00The Associated Presshttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/broncos-colts-capsule/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>DENVER (4-9) at INDIANAPOLIS (3-10)</p> <p>Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, NBC/NFL Network</p> <p>OPENING LINE - Broncos by 1</p> <p>RECORD VS. SPREAD - Denver 3-9-1, Indianapolis 6-7</p> <p>SERIES RECORD - Tied 13-13</p> <p>LAST MEETING - Broncos beat Colts 34-20, Sept. 18, 2016</p> <p>LAST WEEK - Broncos beat Jets 23-0; Colts lost to ...Jaguars laud Posluszny as role model amid 1st winning season2017-12-13T16:56:32-05:00MARK LONGhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/13/jaguars-laud-posluszny-as-role-model-amid-1st-winn/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Coach Doug Marrone was just about to release his players for a two-day break Sunday when defensive end Calais Campbell, safety Jarrod Wilson and several other Jacksonville Jaguars chimed in with a request.</p> <p>"Poz, Poz, Poz," they chanted.</p> <p>They wanted veteran linebacker Paul Posluszny front and ...Wyoming QB Allen aiming to play in bowl game if healthy2017-12-12T12:34:57-05:00http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/12/wyoming-qb-allen-aiming-to-play-in-bowl-game-if-he/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen says his injured throwing shoulder is better than 90 percent recovered, but it's still too early to say whether he will be able to play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 22.</p> <p>Allen has been mentioned among the top quarterback ...Steelers put Shazier on IR, hopeful Haden returns vs. Pats2017-12-12T18:38:11-05:00WILL GRAVEShttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/12/steelers-put-shazier-on-ir-hopeful-haden-returns-v/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>PITTSBURGH (AP) - Mike Tomlin is ready to talk about the New England Patriots.</p> <p>The fact the Pittsburgh Steelers coach can include cornerback Joe Haden in the discussion is a bonus.</p> <p>Haden will attempt to practice for the AFC North champions this week, barely a month removed from a fractured ...NFL Network suspends analysts over sexual misconduct suit2017-12-12T09:42:40-05:00http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/12/nfl-network-suspends-analysts-over-sexual-miscondu/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>NEW YORK &mdash; Hall of Fame player Marshall Faulk and two other NFL Network analysts were suspended after a woman who worked as a wardrobe stylist at the network accused them of sexual misconduct in a lawsuit.</p> <p>The NFL on Tuesday identified the three as Faulk, Ike Taylor and Heath ...Nielsen's top programs for Dec. 4-102017-12-12T17:52:15-05:00http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/12/nielsens-top-programs-for-dec-4-10/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>NEW YORK (AP) - Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen for Dec. 4-10. Listings include the week's ranking and viewership.</p> <p>1. NFL Football: Baltimore at Pittsburgh, NBC, 17.2 million.</p> <p>2. NFL Football: New Orleans at Atlanta, NBC, 14.61 million.</p> <p>3. "The Big Bang Theory," CBS, 14.41 million.</p> <p>4. "Sunday Night ...Kick return star Devin Hester retires from NFL2017-12-12T12:21:51-05:00ANDREW SELIGMANhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/12/kick-return-ace-devin-hester-retires-from-nfl/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>CHICAGO (AP) - Devin Hester, the spectacular speedster who holds the NFL record for kick return touchdowns with 20, announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.</p> <p>In a post on social media, the 35-year-old Hester said it was time .</p> <p>"Good news: Commissioner Goodell, you can put the kickoff ...Overreaction: Cancel the Super Bowl parade plans in Philly2017-12-12T02:35:14-05:00ROB MAADDIhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/12/overreaction-cancel-the-super-bowl-parade-plans-in/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>PHILADELPHIA (AP) - There won't be a Super Bowl parade in Philadelphia this season.</p> <p>The Eagles' championship hopes went down with Carson Wentz when the star quarterback tore his left ACL in a 43-35 win over the Rams. The NFC East champions have the best record in the conference, but ...Titans latest NFL team to choose week on road over jet lag2017-12-12T02:33:17-05:00TERESA M. WALKERhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/12/titans-latest-nfl-team-to-choose-week-on-road-over/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Titans are out of town this week, and veteran linebacker Brian Orakpo couldn't be happier.</p> <p>The franchise decided once the NFL schedule came out in mid-April to spend the week between back-to-back road games against the Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers in Arizona.</p> ...Steelers on top in the latest AP Pro32 poll2017-12-12T17:00:29-05:00SIMMI BUTTARhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/12/steelers-on-top-in-the-latest-ap-pro32-poll/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS<p>NEW YORK (AP) - The "Killer B's" have the Pittsburgh Steelers on top.</p> <p>The surging Steelers moved up three spots to No. 1 in the AP Pro32 poll on Tuesday, receiving nine of 12 first-place votes for 381 points in balloting by media members who regularly cover the NFL.</p> <p>Pittsburgh ...